LYRA MAG.

At the recent Fancy Food Show-the popularity of global cuisines and far flung flavors- continues . Notable=Mid East+ African staples-spices-favors go mainstream with eye catching packaging... Some Tasty examples: Ready To Eat: Fabalish made a splash at last year's show with their deft use of cooked chickpea water-(Aquafaba-a dairy/egg replacer fyi) in their versatile sauces. Heat and serve-rte Baked Falafels...spare us the extra calories of fried versions-with these. KID SNACK ALERT - pop in a toaster oven/microwave for fast easy treat. Like Couscous... (or Quinoa) YOLÉLÉ FONIO -aka 'the ancient grain' is naturally gluten free and cooks up fast like couscous +can be used in recipes-similarly. A drought resitant crop-grown by rural farmers in Western Africa.. is naturally blessed with protein, fiber and iron. WIN WIN WIN WIN Available-Whole Foods, Thrive, Amazon... Yolélé  co-founded by  Chef Pierre Thiam New York Shuk spice blend offer...

It's Limited Edition seasoning season! Holiday Flavors of spicy cinnamon paired with that ultimate patch product-pumpkin ...adds flavorful aromatic hints to sweets, staples and life's liquid must, coffee . via GIPHY Tops Picks for Pumpkin Spice Spice Islands Gourmet Blends- Pumpkin Spice -aromatic fresh ground blend of comforting cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, mace+nutmeg...add to dough destined for desserts, sprinkle a pinch on seasonal gourd vegetables or baked fruity slices or fillings...add atop frothy cappuccino or tempting vanilla ice cream= insta  sweet celebration.  GoGo squeeZ - delicious sweet applesauce in fab portable, shelf stable BPA free pouch-adds tiny hints-of cinnamon-y spice with apple/pumpkin goodness-a guaranteed children pleaser-that's also non-GMO certified,   gluten, nut, and dairy FREE  FYI-perfect for leaf peepers-take these along on autumnal hikes, pumpkin patch picking jaunts, or weekend lazy long bike rides...imo-an ideal...

the easiest dessert to make-arguably the best=s'mores-of course elevate the flavor with homemade marshmallows and rich deep Fair Trade single source chocolate-from Dagoba...with classic Honey Maid Graham crackers We know meal delivery subscribers who really like to cook -using Blue Apron, Happy Meals, Plated etc.for its precious time-saving no need to shop benefits -or  stock a variety of ingredients they rarely use. For us-there's no appeal however; the 30-40 minutes needed to prepare the meals are too much ... Which is why totally prepared meals and gourmet convenient products (sophisticated+idiot proof)- like-spice blends and just add hot water/simmer -chef worthy entrées, sophisticated soups, internationally inspired appetizers and tasty sides...are a booming business...of which we saw hundreds of eating offerings at the most recent Fancy Food show. Some highlights that tantalize the tastebuds... MISO SOUP: via GIPHY source gastrocinema.com This Japanese imp...

No longer a holiday only flavor---pumpkin gets some love year round: via GIPHY source zdzoo.tunblr.com URBAN ACCENTS aka "your culinary wingman™" has a slew of convenient well flavored pumpkin tagines, simmer sauces that will transport any dish to an exotic location . Pictured above-a spicy take on Mexican Chile Pumpkin Mole-a pumpkin-tomato,garlic, onion simmer sauce based in chicken broth...just add veggies or chicken-dish is complete. Urban Accents Indian Coconut Pumpkin Curry simmer sauce-takes savory spices turmeric, nutmeg, ginger, cumin+coriander-with a hint of coconut-in warm pumpkin blend. Moroccan Apricot Pumpkin Tagine -North African coriander, cinnamon, cardamon, red pepper and cloves even up this thick pumpkin simmer sauce. Terrapin Ridge Pumpkin Honey Mustard -pumpkin, cinnamon sugar, nutmeg+allspice blended with honey mustard to adorn grilled cheese, vegetables like carrots-or goat brie...